Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 February 2026

Showing 501-550 of 862 articles

Why Has the KPK Not Yet Ensnared Travel Agencies in the Hajj Quota Case?

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has so far named only two suspects — former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special aide — in the hajj quota corruption case, despite having examined over 350 travel agencies. The case centres on the alleged misallocation of 20,000 additional hajj places obtained following a bilateral meeting between President Jokowi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with estimated state losses of at least Rp1 trillion.

Flooding on Daan Mogot Road in West Jakarta as Police Help Push Stalled Vehicles

Floodwaters continued to inundate Jalan Daan Mogot in West Jakarta on Friday, stranding motorcyclists who attempted to ride through the waterlogged road. The West Jakarta Metropolitan Police deployed a flood taskforce to assist stranded motorists and urged riders to use alternative routes through Kebon Jeruk or Taman Kota, warning that several accidents had already occurred in the area.

Indonesia-US Cooperation Secures USD38.4 Billion in Investment and Trade Commitments

President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to the United States yielded 11 memoranda of understanding worth USD38.4 billion between Indonesian and American businesses, signed during a Business Summit roundtable organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council in Washington DC. The agreements span mining and downstream processing, energy, agribusiness, textiles, furniture manufacturing, and semiconductor technology, underscoring Indonesia's position as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Current Fate of Parliamentary Members Embroiled in the August 2025 Crisis

Five members of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) who were suspended during the widespread protests of late August 2025 have since returned to their roles, with varying outcomes from ethics proceedings. Most notably, Adies Kadir — cleared of ethics violations — resigned from parliament to become a Constitutional Court justice, a controversial appointment that has prompted a formal complaint from 21 legal scholars citing transparency violations and potential conflicts of interest.

Andra Soni Issues Governor's Instruction for Clean Banten Movement, Involving Local Governments and Businesses

Banten Governor Andra Soni has signed a gubernatorial instruction launching the Clean Banten Movement, directing local governments, businesses, and community organisations to maintain cleanliness across tourist areas, rivers, main roads, residential zones, and offices. The initiative, formalised as Gubernatorial Instruction No.

IKN sets aside space for wildlife, forest restoration

Indonesia's new capital IKN is integrating wildlife protection into its development, including a corridor bridge over the toll road for animal crossings and a policy limiting built-up areas to 25 per cent of the total site. A germplasm centre and museum are under construction at the Mentawir Nursery to document remaining biodiversity, as authorities work to restore Kalimantan's endemic forests despite significant prior habitat loss from illegal logging and land clearing.

Franco-German Dispute Threatens Europe's Stealth Fighter Jet Project

The €100 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Europe's flagship sixth-generation fighter jet programme launched in 2017 by France and Germany, faces potential collapse amid industrial disputes between Airbus Defence and Space and Dassault Aviation over jet specifications and development control.

Police Help Flood-Hit Kebon Pala Residents Get to Work by Rubber Boat

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police's Water and Air Police Directorate deployed rubber boats to evacuate residents trapped by flooding in Kebon Pala, East Jakarta, helping workers commute and relocating vulnerable groups including children and the elderly. Floodwaters reached 50 centimetres in residential areas, with joint police-military SAR teams also conducting operations in Pela Mampang, South Jakarta.

PSI Backs Jokowi on KPK Law: Revision Was Parliament's Initiative

The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) has voiced support for former President Jokowi's statement that the KPK Law should be restored to its pre-2019 revision form, emphasising that the controversial amendments were initiated by the House of Representatives, not the presidency.

Inaugurated as BPJS Kesehatan Director, Prihati Pujowaskito: This Is a Great Mandate

Prihati Pujowaskito has been inaugurated as the new President Director of BPJS Kesehatan for the 2026-2031 term, pledging to deliver accessible, swift and accurate healthcare services. Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar officiated the ceremony, which also installed new boards for both BPJS Kesehatan and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan under presidential decrees, underscoring the government's emphasis on social security as a cornerstone of public welfare.

JCI Drops 12 Points in First Session; Three Blue-Chip Stocks Lead Top Gainers

Indonesia's Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) fell 0.16 per cent to 8,261 at the close of the first trading session on Friday 20 February 2026, with property, non-cyclical consumer, and energy sectors suffering the steepest declines. Amid the broader downturn, Semen Indonesia (SMGR) surged 6.64 per cent, XLSMART Telecom (EXCL) jumped 5.24 per cent, and Sumber Alfaria Trijaya (AMRT) gained 1.84 per cent, emerging as the top gainers among LQ45 blue-chip stocks.

Siak Traffic Police Act Swiftly to Fill Potholes and Prevent Accidents

Traffic police in Siak Regency, Riau, took emergency action to fill dangerous potholes on the Perawang-Dayun road at Km 63 with sand, working through heavy rain to prevent accidents. The temporary measure highlights the poor condition of the road, with the police chief urging the relevant authorities to carry out permanent repairs promptly to ensure public safety.

Crossing Gate Still Open When Airport Train Struck Truck in Poris

A commuter train on the Airport-Tangerang route collided with a trailer truck at the Poris level crossing in Tangerang after the railway crossing gate was found to have remained open, despite warning sirens being activated. The collision derailed the train and caused significant traffic disruption near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, though no fatalities were reported as the train was carrying no passengers.

Rosan Discusses Follow-Up Plans for Purchase of 50 Boeing Aircraft

Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani is advancing plans to procure 50 Boeing aircraft under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed by Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump, with negotiations on pricing and delivery still under way.

Set for Overhaul: Complete List of Danantara Holdings and Subsidiaries

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara is accelerating the restructuring of state-owned enterprises through mergers and the formation of 14 major holding companies, consolidating subsidiaries across sectors from mining and energy to defence and financial services. Led by COO Dony Oskaria, the "holdingisation" strategy aims to eliminate bureaucratic overlap, centralise coordination, and boost the competitiveness of SOEs in both domestic and international markets.

President Prabowo optimistic on Board of Peace Gaza plan

President Prabowo expressed confidence in the Board of Peace initiative for Gaza after attending its summit in Washington, calling it a genuine source of hope for a peaceful solution for the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to a two-state solution as the only lasting path to peace, whilst acknowledging the significant challenges ahead, and highlighted the unanimous support of eight Muslim-majority countries invited to participate in the initiative's first stage.

The Value-Added Challenge Behind Manufacturing Growth

A World Bank report reveals that 70 per cent of investment capital flowing into Indonesia's manufacturing sector over the past five years has been directed towards low value-added industries, despite the sector posting an impressive 5.3 per cent growth in 2025.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train Service Temporarily Suspended Following Truck Collision at Poris Crossing

A trailer truck was struck by the Soekarno-Hatta Airport commuter train at the Poris Station level crossing in Tangerang, forcing the temporary suspension of all airport rail services while infrastructure repairs are carried out. All passengers were safely evacuated with no casualties, though the truck was dragged approximately 100 metres from the point of impact, and police have implemented traffic diversions across several routes in the area.

Britain Has Not Yet Granted US Permission to Use Its Military Bases for Strikes on Iran

The British government has reportedly not yet authorised the United States to use RAF Fairford or Diego Garcia for potential military strikes against Iran, with officials concerned such permission could breach international law. President Trump has publicly named both bases as possible staging points should Iran refuse to negotiate limits on its nuclear programme, whilst Britain has expressed support for the ongoing diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran.

Government to Build Eight Retention Ponds to Control Flooding in Bogor and Bekasi

The Ministry of Public Works plans to construct eight retention ponds with a combined capacity of 6.3 million cubic metres along the Cileungsi and Cikeas river basins in West Java to mitigate recurring flooding in Bogor and Bekasi. Community leaders have urged the government to accelerate construction, citing the successful flood control response on 11 February 2026 as evidence that such infrastructure is urgently needed.

Police: Siren Sounded but Crossing Gate Had Not Closed When Truck Was Struck by Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train

Police have revealed that the warning siren at a level crossing near Poris Station in Tangerang was activated but the barrier gate had not yet closed when a container truck was struck by a Soekarno-Hatta Airport train on 20 February 2026. The collision caused widespread disruption to commuter and airport rail services on the Duri–Tangerang and Soekarno-Hatta Airport lines, with numerous services cancelled or truncated whilst evacuation and investigation efforts continue.

Coal Production Quotas Cut as Miners Question Selection Criteria

The Indonesian government has slashed coal and nickel production quotas in the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) to maintain supply-demand balance and commodity price stability. Mining industry players are questioning the criteria behind the cuts, with some companies seeing reductions of up to 90 per cent whilst others remain unaffected, raising concerns about the impact on long-term contracts, contractors, workers, and regional suppliers.

Pickup Truck Imports Could Cost Indonesian Economy Rp27 Trillion

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has warned that fulfilling demand for 70,000 pickup trucks through imports rather than domestic production could see Indonesia forgo approximately Rp27 trillion in economic value-added. The minister emphasised that local manufacturers already possess capacity of around one million units per year, sufficient to meet domestic demand whilst strengthening global competitiveness and sustaining employment across multiple supporting industrial subsectors.

Rainbow on Mars Film Set to Become a Proud Indonesian IP, Releasing for Lebaran 2026

Indonesian production house Mahakarya Pictures is preparing to release "Pelangi di Mars" (Rainbow on Mars), an ambitious science fiction film aimed at establishing a homegrown intellectual property capable of competing globally. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar praised the film after an early screening, calling it a must-watch achievement, whilst producer Dendi Reynando emphasised a five-year development strategy designed to build a franchise with sequels and derivative products.

PAM Jaya and PALJAYA Revitalise Communal Sanitation Facilities in Manggarai

Jakarta's water utility PAM Jaya and wastewater operator PALJAYA have completed the revitalisation of communal bathing, washing and toilet facilities in Manggarai, South Jakarta, equipping them with biopal waste treatment systems to prevent river pollution. The programme, which has upgraded facilities in RT 14 and RT 15 of RW 09, connects domestic wastewater to a centralised treatment system, reducing environmental contamination and E. coli exposure risks for local residents.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train Strikes Truck at JPL 21 Level Crossing

The Soekarno-Hatta Airport railway service was disrupted after a train collided with a truck at the JPL 21 level crossing. State railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) said it is prioritising recovery and restoration of the airport rail line, though details on casualties and a timeline for full service resumption remain unclear.

Prihati Pujowaskito: The Military Doctor Now Leading BPJS Kesehatan

President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Prihati Pujowaskito, a military cardiologist and academic, as President Director of BPJS Kesehatan for the 2026–2031 term. The Solo-born doctor brings extensive experience from senior clinical roles at military hospitals, a deanship at the Defence University's Faculty of Military Medicine, and service on the Presidential Medical Expert Panel, signalling continued military-linked leadership of Indonesia's national health insurance agency.

Residents Call for Jakarta LRT Route Extension to Improve Mobility

Jakarta residents are urging the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to extend the LRT network beyond the current Phase 1B Velodrome–Manggarai line, which is 89 per cent complete, to reach densely populated areas, business districts and economic centres. Governor Pramono Anung confirmed the government is focused on completing Phase 1B, with operations expected to begin next year, after which potential extensions to Tanjung Priok, Jakarta International Stadium, Ancol and PIK 2 will be evaluated.

Explosion occurs during firecracker manufacturing in Kertek, Wonosobo

A young man sustained burns and lacerations after an explosion during illegal firecracker assembly in Wonosobo, Central Java, when sparks from an angle grinder ignited explosive materials. Police are investigating the source of the firecracker materials and have warned the public against purchasing, storing, or assembling explosive materials illegally, citing both safety risks and legal consequences.

Japanese National Found Dead in Room on 25th Floor of Merlyn Park Hotel, Gambir

A 59-year-old Japanese man was found dead in his room on the 25th floor of Hotel Merlyn Park in Central Jakarta on 18 February 2026, whilst on a work visit to Indonesia with a group of 24 Japanese tourists. Police have found no signs of foul play in their initial examination and the body has been transferred to RSCM hospital for further investigation.

Indonesia to take deputy commander role in Gaza peacekeeping force: US general

Indonesia has accepted the deputy commander position in the US-led International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, with President Prabowo Subianto committing to deploy troops within two months. The country could send up to 8,000 troops — the first nation to publicly commit forces to the mission — though Jakarta has stressed its participation is strictly humanitarian and will be terminated if the mandate deviates from agreed terms.

Coordinating Minister Cak Imin Inaugurates BPJS Health and Employment Directors for 2026-2031 Term

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar has inaugurated new boards of supervisors and directors for both BPJS Health and BPJS Employment for the 2026-2031 term, with Prihati Pujowaskito and Saiful Hidayat appointed as respective chief executives.

Grobogan and Demak Still Submerged After Nearly a Week of Flooding

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is conducting intensive operations to address persistent flooding in Grobogan and Demak regencies in Central Java, which has affected over 10,000 families and nearly 18,000 housing units since 15 February. The Grobogan Regency Government has declared an emergency response status whilst BNPB deploys heavy equipment to repair collapsed embankments along the Tuntang River, identified as the primary cause of the spreading floodwaters.

Tough Guy: A Signal That Indonesia Is a Decisive Player in the Board of Peace?

Indonesia has secured a prominent seat at the inaugural Board of Peace summit for Gaza in Washington, with President Trump publicly acknowledging President Prabowo Subianto as a formidable partner in resolving the conflict.

Foreign Woman Goes on Rampage at Gili Trawangan Prayer Room, Disturbed by Ramadan Recitation Speaker

A foreign woman vandalised a musala (small prayer room) on Gili Trawangan, North Lombok, after becoming agitated by loudspeaker use during a communal Quran recitation on the first night of Ramadan. The incident, which went viral on social media, saw the woman damage the microphone and injure a resident, highlighting ongoing tensions between tourism and local religious practices in Indonesia's popular island destinations.

Indonesia's Prabowo voices support for Trump's Gaza peace plan

President Prabowo has expressed Indonesia's full support for President Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan, announcing his country's readiness to deploy up to 8,000 peacekeepers to support international stabilisation efforts. Speaking at the Board of Peace summit at the White House, Prabowo acknowledged the challenges ahead but voiced optimism that lasting peace in Palestine could be achieved under the initiative.

Rupiah weakens amid expectations of prolonged higher US interest rates

The Indonesian rupiah fell 9 points to Rp16,903 per US dollar at the opening of Friday trade, pressured by a stronger greenback linked to expectations that US Federal Reserve interest rates will remain elevated for longer. Analysts noted that while corporate foreign currency demand and global dollar strength weigh on the currency, Indonesia's trade surplus and Bank Indonesia's stabilisation measures should limit the extent of depreciation.

Andre Rosiade and Dony Oskaria Inaugurate Reconstruction of SDN 49 Batang Kabung in Padang

Deputy Chairman of House Commission VI Andre Rosiade and Danantara COO Dony Oskaria launched the reconstruction of a Padang primary school destroyed by flash floods in November 2025, with state-owned mining firm Inalum leading the rebuilding effort.

Airlangga Raises Critical Mineral Access in Tariff Agreement with the US

Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that critical minerals and rare earth elements form a key component of the newly signed Indonesia-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement, with Indonesia opening investment and technology-sharing cooperation in the sector.

Part of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train Evacuated to Kalideres as Track Recovery Continues

A Soekarno-Hatta Airport train was involved in a collision with a truck on the Rawabuaya-Batuceper line, prompting KAI to deploy a rescue train and dozens of emergency response personnel to evacuate the consist and restore infrastructure.

Rice seller in Banjarmasin earns Rp1 million daily after joining Baznas microfinance programme

The National Zakat Agency's Baznas Microfinance Desa (BMD) programme has helped a nasi kuning and lontong seller in Banjarmasin increase her daily turnover from Rp800,000 to Rp1 million through interest-free financing and business mentoring.

Indonesian and US Business Leaders Sign Multiple Cooperation Agreements Witnessed by Prabowo

Indonesian and American business leaders signed 11 cooperation agreements worth a total of US$38.4 billion during the Indonesia-US Business Summit in Washington DC, witnessed by President Prabowo. The deals, facilitated by Kadin Indonesia and the US Chamber of Commerce, span sectors from critical minerals to agriculture, and come alongside ongoing negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement between the two countries.

Jakarta Metropolitan Police Move Swiftly to Handle Flooding in Kebon Pala, East Jakarta

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police's Marine and Air Police Directorate deployed personnel, rubber boats and safety equipment to evacuate residents from Kebon Pala, East Jakarta, after overnight rain caused floodwaters to reach one metre. The rapid response included rescuing an infant and helping residents secure vehicles and valuables, whilst officers remained stationed to monitor rising water levels that submerged homes, furniture and local roads.

What Is the ISF? Indonesia Becomes Deputy Commander and Deploys 8,000 Troops to Gaza

Indonesia has accepted the role of deputy commander of the newly established International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, with President Prabowo Subianto committing 8,000 TNI troops for deployment within one to two months. The ISF, authorised under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, is mandated to oversee the ceasefire, demilitarise the Gaza Strip, protect civilians, and support the training of Palestinian police forces.

Prabowo Laughs Off Trump's 'I Don't Wanna Fight Him' Remark

US President Donald Trump publicly praised President Prabowo Subianto at the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington DC, calling him "definitely tough" and declaring he would not want to fight him. Prabowo dismissed the remarks as a joke, whilst Trump lauded Indonesia as a great nation and described its president as respected by world leaders.

Overhead Power Line Poles Collapse Following Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train Collision with Truck at Poris

A trailer truck was struck by the Soekarno-Hatta Airport train at a level crossing near Poris Station in Tangerang City, bringing down two overhead power line poles and dragging the vehicle approximately 100 metres along the track. The incident, which occurred at around 06.

Ship Used to Smuggle Illegal Tin to Malaysia Seized by Criminal Investigation Agency in South Bangka

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has seized a vessel at Kubu Dock in Toboali, South Bangka, believed to be part of an illegal tin sand smuggling network shipping to Malaysia. The seizure is linked to a prior case in which 7.5 tonnes of illegal tin sand were intercepted in October 2025 and 11 crew members were detained by Malaysian maritime authorities before being repatriated.

Prabowo-Trump Agree 19% Trade Tariff for Indonesian Goods Entering the US: What Does the Agreement Contain?

Indonesia and the United States have struck a reciprocal trade deal reducing tariffs on Indonesian exports to 19%, down from the initial 32% rate, whilst Jakarta commits to eliminating 99% of tariff barriers on American products.

LAMR Praises Riau Police Innovation: First Institution to Uphold the Dignity of the Tanjak

The Riau Provincial Police has become the first central government institution in Indonesia to officially adopt traditional Malay cultural attire — the Tanjak headpiece for male officers and the Selempang sash for female officers — to be worn every Friday across its 11,000 personnel.

Bank Indonesia: Balance of Payments Records US$6.1 Billion Surplus in Q4 2025

Indonesia's balance of payments posted a US$6.1 billion surplus in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by a rebound in the capital and financial account and a manageable current account deficit of just 0.7 per cent of GDP. For the full year, the current account deficit narrowed sharply to US$1.5 billion (0.1 per cent of GDP) from US$8.6 billion in 2024, whilst foreign exchange reserves edged up to US$156.